Search Results (168)

Tomicus yunnanensis Kirkendall and Faccoli, a native bark beetle species and key pest of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. in southwestern China, relies on host-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for host selection. To unravel these mechanisms, we collected VOCs from P. yunnanensis trunks across four infestation stages (healthy, early-infested, weakened, near-dead) using dynamic headspace sampling. Chemical profiling via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 51 terpenoids, with α-pinene as the most abundant component. VOC profiles differed markedly between healthy and early-infested trees, while gradual shifts in compound diversity and abundance occurred from the weakened to near-dead stages. Bioactive compounds were screened using gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and a Y-tube olfactometer. Electrophysiological responses in T. yunnanensis were triggered by α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene, 2-thujene, and 4-allylanisole. Behavioral tests revealed that α-pinene, 3-carene, and 2-thujene acted as attractants, whereas β-pinene and 4-allylanisole functioned as repellents. These results indicate that infestation-induced VOC dynamics guide beetle behavior, with attractants likely promoting host colonization during early infestation and repellents signaling deteriorating host suitability in later stages. By mapping these chemical interactions, our study identifies potential plant-derived semiochemicals for targeted pest management. Integrating these compounds with pheromones could enhance the monitoring and control strategies for T. yunnanensis, offering ecologically sustainable solutions for pine ecosystems. Full article

To date, various species of Erigeron genus have been used both in the ethnopharmacology of numerous nations across the world and in contemporary herbal practices. The objective of this study is to revise the phytochemical data on the essential oils (EOs) of various fleabanes species and to evaluate the variability of their biological activities. Up to June 2025, this review provides an updated overview of 105 literature sources (published during last 25 years) related to 14 Erigeron sp. (native, naturalized, or invasive) which have been investigated extensively and are of the greatest significance. It summarizes the compositional variability of the EOs and their pharmacological and toxic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiproliferative, skin regeneration, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, larvicidal, repellent, and allelopathic activity. The EOs of each Erigeron species were characterized, and a chemical structure of 43 major constituents is presented herein. The most characteristic and prevalent compounds were found to be limonene, δ-3-carene, matricaria ester, lachnophyllum ester, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, β-farnesene, α-bergamotene, allo-aromadendrene, etc., in the EOs from the E. acris, E. annuus, E. bonariensis, E. canadensis, E. floribundus E. mucronatus, and E. speciosus plants. Major constituents, such as borneol, bornyl acetate, modhephen-8-β-ol, cis-arteannuic alcohol, β-caryophyllene, and τ-cadinol, were found in the oils of E. graveolens (Inula graveolens). A paucity of data concerning E. incanus EOs was revealed, with the prevalence of 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy cinammic acid and thymol acetate noted in the oils. The EOs from E. multiradiatus and E. sublyratus were comprised mainly of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters. The available data on EOs of E. ramosus is limited, but the main constituents are known to be α-humulene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and globulol. The EOs containing appreciable amounts of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters exhibited strong anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, larvicidal, and repellent activities. Repellence is also related to borneol, bornyl acetate, caryophyllene derivatives, τ-cadinol, modhephen-8-β-ol, and cis-arteannuic alcohol. Cytotoxicity was determined due to the presence of limonene, δ-3-carene, α- and β-farnesene, (E)-β-ocimene, ledene oxide, sesquiphellandrene, and dendrolasin in the fleabanes EOs. Skin regeneration and antifungal properties were related to germacrene D; and anti-inflammatory effects were determined due to high amounts of limonene (E)-β-ocimene, lachnophyllum ester, and germacrene D. The antimicrobial properties of the oils were conditioned by appreciable quantities of limonene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, thymol acetae, β-eudesmol, 2,6,7,7α-tetrahydro-1,5-dimethyl-1H-indene-3-carboxaldehyde, caryophyllene and its oxide, allo-aromadendrene, α-humulene, farnesene, carvacrol, and eugenol. This review provides a foundation for further studies on volatile secondary metabolites to explore the potential sources of new biologically active compounds in Erigeron sp. Full article

Sitophilus zeamais, a major pest of stored grains, causes significant post-harvest losses and challenges effective control. While synthetic insecticides pose risks of resistance and toxicity, essential oils (EOs) offer a safer alternative. However, the insecticidal potential of their individual volatile constituents (VCs) remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of 51 EO-derived volatile compounds (VCs) against S. zeamais, identifying the most toxic ones, optimizing 15 synergistic mixtures, and assessing their effects on key insect enzymes. A structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis determined functional groups associated with insecticidal activity, while a cluster analysis pre-selected 29 ternary mixtures, later refined using response surface methodology (RSM). Additionally, enzymatic assays explored their impact on detoxification and nervous system enzymes, providing insights into potential mechanisms of action. Among the 51 VCs tested, 37 exhibited significant toxicity, with 11 acting as fumigants and 13 displaying contact toxicity. Monocyclic monoterpenoids with ketone or alcohol functional groups and exocyclic unsaturation demonstrated the highest insecticidal activity via both exposure routes. Notably, pulegone enantiomers were particularly effective (LC₅₀ < 0.1 mg/L, LD₅₀ < 7.5 µg/adult). Among the optimized mixtures, 10 displayed strong insecticidal effects, 8 were active through both routes, and 5 exhibited synergistic fumigant interactions. The most effective formulations were M2 (R-pulegone + S-pulegone + S-carvone, LC₅₀ 0.48 mg/L) and M20 (isopulegone + δ-3-carene, LC₅₀ 2.06 mg/L), showing the strongest fumigant and synergistic effects, respectively. Enzymatic assays revealed that while some compounds mildly inhibited GST and CAT, others, such as δ-3-carene (IC₅₀ 0.19 mg/L), significantly inhibited AChE. Five mixtures exhibited synergistic neurotoxicity, with M20 (IC₅₀ 0.61 mg/L) and M12 (IC₅₀ 0.81 mg/L) emerging as the most potent AChE inhibitors. These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived volatile compounds as bioinsecticides, leveraging synergistic interactions to enhance efficacy, disrupt enzymatic pathways, and mitigate resistance. Full article

The growing volume of plastic waste from end-of-life vehicles presents environmental concerns, driving efforts to integrate recycled plastics. This study investigates the possibility of using recycled plastic from automotive parts (painted and unpainted bumpers, fuel tanks) as a 10% filler in the core layer of three-layer particleboards (P) and evaluates its impact on physical properties (water absorption—WA and thickness swelling—TS), mechanical properties (internal bonding strength—IB, modulus of rupture—MOR, modulus of elasticity—MOE and screw driving torque—SDT) and volatile organic compounds—VOC emissions. The boards were produced using conventional hot-pressing technology and analyzed according to applicable standards. Based on the results, the density of the reference (P) was 0.72 g·cm⁻³, while wood–plastic composites ranged from 0.70 g·cm⁻³ to 0.72 g·cm⁻³. After 24 h, WA reached 40% for reference (P) and from 36.9% (for (P) containing unpainted bumpers) to 41.9% (for (P) containing fuel tanks). TS reached 18% for (P) and from 16.8% (for (P) containing unpainted bumpers and fuel tanks) to 18.1% (for (P) containing painted bumpers). Plastic is a hydrophobic material and it is assumed that by increasing the proportion of plastic filler in the particleboards, the WA and TS of prepared boards will decrease. From the point of view of mechanical properties, values for (P) containing plastic filler were slightly lower compared to reference (P). The lowest value of IB (0.39 MPa) were reached for (P) containing painted bumpers. Plastic surface treatment could interfere with adhesion between the plastic and adhesive, weakening the bond in the core layer. For this reason, is preferable to use unpainted fillers, which provide better adhesive properties and higher structural integrity. VOC emissions from wood components consisted primarily of monoterpenes such as α-pinene, 3-carene and limonene. Adding 10% plastic to the particleboard did not increase overall VOC emissions. On the other hand, combining wood and plastic particles resulted in a reduction in overall VOC emissions. The findings confirm that recycled automotive plastics can be effectively incorporated into particleboards, maintaining standard performance while reducing reliance on virgin wood materials, making them a viable and sustainable alternative for furniture and interior applications. Full article

This research explores the potential of green encapsules uploaded with eucalypt essential oil (EEOs) in enhancing their functionality and application in pest control, focusing on suitable ecotype selection from King Abdulaziz University (KAU) campus, Hada Al-Sham (HAS) village, and Briman district as well as optimizing extraction processes. Eucalypt hybrids’ leaves were collected from three different sites, and the EEOs were extracted using microwave-assisted steam distillation (MASD) and electric steam distillation (ESD) techniques. The physical and chemical properties of the EEO were determined. The identification of volatile chemical ingredients in the resulting EEOs was conducted using GC/MS after saponification and methylation procedures, and the ingredients were compared to those obtained from Eucalyptus globulus Labill, the ideal species containing the 1,8-cineol, the principal compound in its essential oil. The 1,8-cineole was found to be the major chemical constituent of the EEOs all over the two extraction methods, regardless of the ecotypes examined, and was interfered with other minor components such as 3-carene, α-pinene, α-myrcene, D-limonene, and α-terpinene. Eucalypt ecotypes grown at Hada Al-Sham village had the highest cineole content (59.29%) among the other sites studied. Compared to the ESD technique, MASD showed much promise because it is simple, facile, more ecofriendly and cost-effective, it kept oils true to their original form, and it allows to warm larger machines and spaces. The polymeric encapsules of either guar gum crosslinked by borax or sodium alginate crosslinked by calcium chloride were fabricated. Moreover, a bioassay screening of the encapsules uploaded with 1,8-cineole was evaluated against termite infection. The encapsules were found to be versatile tools with a wide range of applications; in particular, the alginate encapsules displayed superior characteristics. Furthermore, regardless of the encapsule type and the exposure duration, the mortality (%) of the insects was exceeded significantly for the high cineol concentrations compared to the lower ones for both alginate-based encapsules (ABEs) and guar gum-based encapsules (GGBEs). The higher the cineol concentrations, the higher the mortality percent of the termites. This finding can be attributed to the rapid toxic effect of the cineol compound at higher concentrations. Full article

This study evaluated the efficacy of active packaging containing albumin (ALB) and pectin (PEC) cryogels loaded with pink pepper essential oil in preserving strawberries during 7 days of storage at 4 °C. The cryogels were prepared in different ratios (ALB:PEC 50:50 and 30:70) and applied in sachets within the strawberry packaging, varying the amounts from 0.4 g to 1.0 g. Analyses included the evaluation of mass loss, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, color, firmness, anthocyanin content, volatile compound composition and release from the essential oil (GC-FID and GC-MS), and microbiological analyses. Results showed that the cryogels maintained the stability of soluble solids and pH, and did not significantly affect the color or anthocyanin content. Strawberry firmness was influenced by the amount of cryogel, with 0.4 g of the ALB:PEC 30:70 cryogel’s best-preserving texture. A GC-MS analysis identified monoterpenes (α-pinene, 3-carene, and D-limonene) and sesquiterpenes (caryophyllene and germacrene D) as the major volatile compounds of the essential oil, with a controlled release over time. Cryogels, especially ALB:PEC 30:70, reduced the count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria (1 g) and yeasts and molds (0.4 g). This formulation extends shelf life and preserves the quality of strawberries through controlled antimicrobial release and firmness preservation. Full article

Essential oils are mixtures of volatile compounds often found in the leaves, wood, and fruits of coniferous trees and shrubs. The composition and abundance of individual oil components vary across different plant parts. Terpenes (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes) dominate in the essential oils of many plants. They are the most abundant class of secondary metabolites, with plants containing over a hundred of them at varying concentrations. The terpene profile of certain species consists of a few dominant (abundant) components and numerous less abundant ones. It is believed that the biological activity of essential oil mostly depends on the dominant terpene components. In most of the analyzed Pinus species, the most abundant terpene compounds are α-pinene, β-pinene, δ-3-carene, β-caryophyllene, limonene/β-phellandrene, and germacrene D. In certain taxa, additional dominant compounds include α-cedrol, bornyl acetate, caryophyllene oxide, α-phellandrene, trimethylbicyclo [3.1.1]hept-2-ene, 2H-benzocyclohepten-2-one, phenylethyl butyrate, 4-epi-isocembrol, β-thujene, and thunbergol. Moreover, compounds with abundances exceeding 15% include methyl chavicol (=estragole), geranylene, myrcene, γ-muurolene, sabinene, and abieta-7,13-diene. It can be concluded that the terpene profiles of the needles of the analyzed pine taxa depend on the type of chromatographic columns, the method of obtaining essential oils, the origin of the trees (in natural habitat or artificial plantation), the age of the needles, the variety, and the season in which the needles were collected. Full article

This study presents a 50-year hydrodynamic simulation of Laguna Carén, a shallow lake near the capital of Chile, utilizing the 3-Dimensional coupled Hydrodynamic-Aquatic Ecosystem Model, AEM3D, to investigate the factors influencing the mixing regimes of the water column. The model incorporates key processes, such as heat and momentum exchanges with the atmosphere, light penetration, and heat diffusion in sediments, all fundamental for understanding the hydrodynamics of the lake. The obtained results allowed classifying the mixing regime of the lake in rarely mixed (RM), intermittently mixed (IM), and often-mixed (RM) regimes. Furthermore, the numerical results reveal a significant differentiation between IM and OM years, primarily driven by changes in meteorological forces, particularly wind speed. The analysis indicates that increased wind speeds enhance turbulent kinetic energy, leading to a reduction in the percentage of time the water column is stratified, whereas lower wind conditions promote stable stratification. This study shows that the mixing regime in shallow lakes can exhibit dramatic changes in response to minor alterations in meteorological conditions, particularly wind speed. Such changes in mixing regimes may result in unpredictable consequences for the ecology of the lake. Full article

Despite growing evidence on the influence of neighborhood characteristics on maternal well-being, there is a critical gap in the availability of validated instruments for measuring these constructs across different cultural settings. Existing neighborhood-related scales often lack cross-cultural validation, limiting their applicability in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding the impact of neighborhood characteristics is crucial given its multigenerational impact. We used data from the Evidence for Better Lives dataset to assess the conceptual and measurement equivalence of the community scales of neighborhood cohesion, intergenerational closure, and neighborhood and social disorder, testing for measurement invariance across eight low- and middle-income countries. Secondly, we examined patterns of associations with prenatal maternal stress, well-being, and depressive symptoms through the use of nomological networks. We found that the conceptual and measurement equivalence of the neighborhood domains were comparable across the eight studied countries. Additionally, our results suggest that higher levels of neighborhood and social disorder and lower levels of cohesion and intergenerational closure in the community are associated with adverse maternal outcomes across the included sites. The results of this study stress the importance of exploring the community context when assessing maternal well-being and supports the need to advocate for community-based interventions that promote safer physical and social environments within maternal programs and urban planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Bicyclic monoterpenes are one of the most common groups of secondary plant metabolites found in Nature. Their wide spectrum of biological activity can be used in the prevention and in the treatment of various diseases, including so-called ‘diseases of civilization’. Their potential for synergistic interactions may influence the biological activities of more complex mixtures. Methods: This study investigated the ability of selected bicyclic monoterpenes and their binary mixtures to reduce Fe(III) and Cu(II) and chelate Fe(II) and assessed their cytotoxic activity against BJ and HepG2 cell lines. Results: The obtained results did not reveal synergistic interactions towards the biological activities, but binary mixtures proved to be safe in relation to the tested cell lines. Among the tested single monoterpenes, the most effective were 3-carene and β-pinene, with the latter exhibiting the greatest ability to decrease cell viability (CC₅₀ for BJ and HepG2 cells was about 1.08 and 1.85 mM, respectively). Conclusions: The results revealed that both single compounds and binary mixtures demonstrate the ability to reduce selected metal ions and chelate Fe(II) ions. Synergistic interactions were not observed, but an increase in the activity of selected binary mixtures was recorded. Based on cell culture experiments, the monoterpenes and their binary mixtures can be considered safe at a concentration lower than 1 mM and close to 0.313 mM, respectively. Full article

The aim of this study was to develop gelatin-based films incorporating Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (MEO) and assess their application on refrigerated chicken breasts. The results showed that MEO exhibited antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella sp., with inhibition zones of 17 mm and 9 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 10% for P. aeruginosa and 15% for Salmonella sp., demonstrating greater efficacy against P. aeruginosa. The antioxidant analysis using the ABTS method revealed activity of 1309 ± 18.0 μM Trolox/g, while the FRAP method resulted in 446 ± 5.78 μM FeSO₄/g. The characterization of the oil by gas chromatography identified major compounds, including 2-carene, γ-terpinene, terpine-4-ol, and α-terpineol. Incorporating the oil into gelatin films resulted in structural changes, such as an increase in thickness (from 0.059 to 0.127 mm) and water vapor permeability. Furthermore, the addition of MEO conferred homogeneous properties to the films with no visible cracks. The incorporation of MEO into gelatin films has shown ABTS antioxidant activity, and FRAP results showed a significant increase with higher MEO concentrations. The packaged samples retained more mass than the control group, which lost about 90% of its weight during storage. Texture analysis revealed only an 8% variation in the Melaleuca-coated samples compared to 19.6% in the control group. These findings indicate that gelatin films containing Melaleuca essential oil effectively improve the shelf life of chicken breasts. Full article

Santolina chamaecyparissus L. (cotton-lavender) is receiving increasing attention due to its potential for modern medicine and is considered both a functional food and nutraceutical. In this work, the phytochemical profile of its flower hydromethanolic extract was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and its applications as a biorational for crop protection were explored against Neocosmospora spp., both in vitro and in planta. The phytochemical profiling analysis identified several terpene groups. Among sesquiterpenoids, which constituted the major fraction (50.4%), compounds featuring cedrane skeleton (8-cedren-13-ol), aromadendrene skeleton (such as (−)-spathulenol, ledol, alloaromadendrene oxide, epiglobulol, and alloaromadendrene), hydroazulene skeleton (ledene oxide, isoledene, and 1,2,3,3a,8,8a-hexahydro-2,2,8-trimethyl-,(3aα,8β,8aα)-5,6-azulenedimethanol), or copaane skeleton (cis-α-copaene-8-ol) were predominant. Additional sesquiterpenoids included longiborneol and longifolene. The monoterpenoid fraction (1.51%) was represented by eucalyptol, (+)-4-carene, endoborneol, and 7-norbornenol. In vitro tests against N. falciformis and N. keratoplastica, two emerging soil phytopathogens, resulted in effective concentration EC₉₀ values of 984.4 and 728.6 μg·mL⁻¹, respectively. A higher dose (3000 μg·mL⁻¹) was nonetheless required to achieve full protection in the in planta tests conducted on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) cv. ‘Diamant F1’ and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. ‘Optima F1’ plants inoculated with N. falciformis by root dipping. The reported data indicate an antimicrobial activity comparable to that of fosetyl-Al and higher than that of azoxystrobin conventional fungicides, thus making the flower extract a promising bioactive product for organic farming and expanding S. chamaecyparissus potential applications. Full article

Teucrium polium L. is a plant with various claims of ethnobotanical use, primarily for inflammatory diseases. Chemical studies have already isolated different types of terpenes from the species, and studies have established its pharmacological potential. The present study evaluates the components of T. polium essential oil cultivated in the Algerian Saharan Atlas. GC-MS identified the major components as fenchone (31.25%), 3-carene (15.77%), cis-limonene oxide (9.77%), and myrcene (9.15%). In the in silico prediction, molecules with more than 1% abundance were selected. Regarding Lipinski’s rule, all molecules followed the rule. All molecules were found to be toxic in at least one model, with some molecules being non-genotoxic (6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13) and others being non-mutagenic (5, 7, 9, 14). Three molecules were selected that showed the best results in pharmacokinetic and toxicity studies: the molecules that did not present carcinogenic potential (7—myrtenal; 9—myrtenol; 14—verbenol). The molecular target was established, and it seems that all three bound to the nuclear factor NF-kappa-B. Based on the docking and molecular dynamics results, these molecules have potential as anti-inflammatory and antitumor therapies, with further in vitro and in vivo studies needed to evaluate their activity and toxicity. Full article

Lomatium is a genus of 98 species, widely distributed in western North America. This work presents a chemometric analysis of the essential oils of seven species of Lomatium (L. anomalum, L. dissectum var. dissectum, L. multifidum, L. nudicaule, L. packardiae, L. papilioniferum, and L. triternatum var. triternatum) from the intermountain western United States (Oregon and Idaho). The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatographic methods. Lomatium packardiae essential oil can be characterized as limonene-rich, L. anomalum is a species rich in sabinene and α-pinene, and L. multifidum essential oils were rich in myrcene, while L. dissectum var. dissectum essential oils were dominated by octyl acetate and decyl acetate, L. papilioniferum essential oils from western Idaho had high p-cymene and 2-methyl-5-(1,2,2-trimethylcyclopentyl)phenol concentrations, while those from Oregon had relatively high β-phellandrene and sedanenolide levels. The essential oils of L. triternatum var. triternatum were too variable to confidently assign a chemical type. The major components in the L. nudicaule essential oils were β-phellandrene (16.0–45.7%), (Z)-ligustilide (5.6–47.1%), (E)-β-ocimene (3.3–9.9%), and δ-3-carene (0.2–12.6%). The enantiomeric distributions of α-pinene, camphene, sabinene, β-pinene, limonene, and linalool were also utilized to discriminate between the Lomatium taxa. There are not enough consistent data to properly characterize L. triternatum var. triternatum or the Oregon L. papilioniferum essential oils. Additional research is needed to confidently describe the chemotype(s) of these species. Full article

Members of the Pinus genus are well known for their medicinal properties, which can be attributed to their essential oils. In this work, we have examined the leaf essential oils of five understudied Pinus species collected from various locations in western North America. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatographic methods, including enantioselective gas chromatography. Pinus albicaulis was dominated by (+)-δ-3-carene; Pinus flexilis was dominated by α-pinene (mostly (+)-α-pinene) and (−)-β-pinene; Pinus lambertiana was dominated by (−)-β-pinene; Pinus monticola was dominated by (−)-β-pinene, (+)-δ-3-carene, and (−)-α-pinene; and Pinus sabiniana was rich in (−)-α-pinene and limonene. While this work adds to our knowledge of Pinus essential oils, additional research is needed to more fully appreciate the geographic and altitudinal variations in the volatile compositions of these Pinus species. Full article